NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics
Detroit Pistons (26-29) vs Boston Celtics (36-21), TD Garden
The Boston Celtics, on the back of a narrow win over the 76ers, will host the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden in Boston.
Let us see how things stand for both teams.
The Detroit Pistons' perspective
The Pistons will be looking to win their 5th straight game when they take on the Celtics. They have been impressive at home lately but not as much on the road.
They most recently beat the Wizards courtesy another big game from Blake Griffin who scored 31 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished nine assists. But the player of the night was Andre Drummond who scored 32 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Both the players will be looking to contribute big numbers again tonight.
Predicted starting lineup: Blake Griffin, Bruce Brown Jr., Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and Langston Galloway
The Boston Celtics' perspective
Good news for Boston fans - Gordon Hayward finally came to life against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hayward scored 26 points off the bench as the Celtics beat the 76ers on the road. Jayson Tatum, Morris, and Al Horford made sizeable contributions to the win as well.
The Celtics were without Kyrie Irving, which makes the win all the more impressive. The victory against the 76ers also erased some of the negativity surrounding the team and they will be looking to build on that against the Pistons.
Predicted starting lineup: Jason Taytum, Marcus Morris Jr., Al Horford, Marcus Smart, and Terry Rozier.
How things might unfold
The Celtics were mighty impressive in their win against the 76ers and will be brimming with confidence. However, with Kyrie's status for the game still unknown, it remains to be seen if they can replicate such a performance against a strong Pistons side.
The Pistons have high-quality big men who have been destructive lately, essentially making it a contest between Boston's guards and Detroit's bigs. With Baynes out, Al Horford will have a huge task on his hands.
Ultimately, I believe Detroit's big men will dominate the paint tonight, earning them an important victory
Prediction: Detroit Pistons to beat Boston Celtics